01/08/2024
01/08/2024
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 1: The Martyr’s Office organized the Martyrs’ Day event under the slogan “Kuwait Remains” at the Avenues Mall the day before yesterday on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the brutal invasion of the State of Kuwait. In a press statement issued after inaugurating the exhibition, which is part of the event at the Avenues Mall, the Director General of the office Salah Al-Awfan said, “The commemoration of Martyrs’ Day on August 2 every year represents one of the most important and unforgettable days in the memory of Kuwaiti society. It stands as a testament to the virtues of resilience, sacrifice, and resistance during the brutal Iraqi aggression against the State of Kuwait.
“The sacrifices of 1,342 martyrs of Kuwaiti heroes, from 1961 through the invasion phase and until today, deserve our appreciation and gratitude, as they sacrificed themselves so that Kuwait would remain. “It is the solemn duty of the Martyr’s Office and all residents of this land to immortalize the memory of these heroes and honor the families and children who lost their loved ones for the sake of this beloved land.”
Al-Awfan revealed that in the current exhibition, an interactive system was used featuring 30 paintings by artist Fahad Al-Najjar who affirmed that his participation aims to document Kuwait’s history for both present and future generations through the interactive artwork that depicts stories of the martyrs and illustrate historical events that transpired during the Kuwaiti invasion. Al-Awfan emphasized that commemorating the invasion symbolizes “our enduring love for this homeland, which will remain eternal, and the sacrifices of the martyrs serve as a guiding light for the current generation.” He urged everyone to cherish this beloved homeland, underscoring the political leadership’s commitment to immortalize the martyrs and honor their families through the Martyr’s Office.
Al-Awfan said he considered commemorating the invasion an embodiment of “our love for this homeland that will remain forever and that what the martyrs have sacrificed is a beacon for the current generation”. He called on all the people to preserve this dear homeland, stressing the keenness of the political leadership to immortalize the martyrs and honor their families through the Martyrs’ Office. In addition, the artist Fahad Al-Najjar emphasized that art, especially painting, has the unique ability to document and convey messages to future generations in a way that is both accessible and beautiful.
The Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Mahmoud Boushahri yesterday morning inaugurated the exhibition titled “Brutal Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait”, which displayed pictures of the martyrs of Kuwait particularly the martyrs from the ministry, with a caption about them in appreciation of their precious sacrifice of their lives to serve the homeland. Dr. Boushahri expressed appreciation for such events that remind the new generations about the martyrs of their nation, their heroism, and the sacrifices they made to serve their homeland.
He called on Almighty Allah to accept the martyrs of Kuwait who sacrificed their lives for their homeland in the gardens of bliss. Meanwhile, the acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Eng. Maha Al-Asousi said, “Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. On this day, we remember our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Kuwait, particularly the martyrs of the Ministry of Electricity and Water who sacrificed their lives in order to deliver and secure the access of electricity and water to citizens and residents during that period. The ministry has nine martyrs who were working in the various sectors of the ministry. These heroes, whom we consider martyrs in the sight of Allah, were working to secure the services of the ministry in those circumstances that Kuwait witnessed, and they sacrificed their lives for this country.”
The Kuwait Trade Union Federation, the working class, and the trade union movement as a whole affirmed their support for and solidarity with the wise political leadership, led by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah; while calling for the preservation of national unity, reports Al-Seyassah daily. In a press statement, the union pointed out that “the second of August every year brings back to mind the sad and painful events and great human tragedies experienced by the people of the State of Kuwait as a result of the brutal Iraqi invasion led by the late Saddam Hussein against our beloved country. The killing, displacement, destruction, devastation and arrests that accompanied it claimed the lives of many people; in addition to the wounded and missing persons. Kuwaiti families are still suffering from its effects. The painful commemoration of the 34th anniversary of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait comes with all appreciation and gratitude for the international community’s unwavering support of Kuwait’s just cause from the onset, given Kuwait’s esteemed global standing, honorable positions, and balanced diplomatic relations with nations worldwide," reports Al-Seyassah daily.
From the outset of Iraq’s aggression on August 2, 1990, many brotherly and friendly nations rushed to condemn this barbaric invasion, and unequivocally denounce its baseless claims and flagrant disregard for international laws and charters of global organizations. The memory of ‘Black Thursday’ will forever endure in the hearts of Kuwait’s people who experienced the bitterness of the invasion. It will also resonate with the younger generation, who, though not present during those tumultuous times, have come to know of their country’s struggles through the narratives of their fathers and grandfathers - stories of sacrifice and valor for the freedom of our homeland. On that day, Iraqi forces advanced towards Kuwait, occupying vital roads and facilities, and systematically destroying all government and private buildings within reach. They established checkpoints on roads to target vehicles and civilians, and did not hesitate to commit egregious crimes that violated all laws, charters, and norms.
If that day marked a profound disaster and a difficult test of the Kuwaiti people’s will, resilience and unity, their resistance against the invaders constituted a unique chapter in Kuwait’s history and its people’s struggle. United in their rejection of occupation and steadfast in their resistance, they demonstrated unwavering solidarity, astonishing the world with their resolute stance against the invaders’ brutality. After the aggression, the Kuwaiti people mobilized to establish specialized military factions and groups aimed at resisting the occupiers and causing maximum disruption. Concurrently, other groups undertook crucial roles in media, nutrition, hygiene, healthcare, logistics, and providing popular support. At that time, Kuwaiti resistance groups were formed to deliver devastating blows to the invading forces, instilling fear and panic among their ranks. They also aimed to boost Kuwaiti morale, protect the public, and convey a resolute message to the world that Kuwaiti people vehemently reject the Iraqi occupation, resist its presence in the country, and are prepared to fight for their freedom and sovereignty, regardless of the sacrifices required.
The wise leadership of the country at that time, led by the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and his Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, spared no effort in mobilizing Arab and international support for Kuwait’s just cause. They undertook all necessary measures to liberate the country, restore its sovereignty, and ensure the security and safety of its lands. The permanent member states of the Security Council swiftly adopted a unified stance following the Iraqi aggression on Kuwaiti territory. Shortly after news reached the Security Council chambers, they convened and unanimously passed resolution No. 660, condemning the invasion and demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Iraqi forces from Kuwait.”
In accordance with the Security Council resolutions, Arab and international forces assembled in Saudi territory to form the international coalition for liberating Kuwait from the invading forces. This coalition successfully achieved its goal in February 1991 through Operation Desert Storm. The support from brotherly and friendly forces was a direct result of Kuwait’s esteemed status achieved through its wise policies, honorable positions, and balanced relations with countries worldwide, as well as its active engagement with regional and international organizations, and its provision of various forms of assistance. In the early years of its independence, Kuwait was at the forefront among countries in terms of providing aid and loans for development to other countries. The aid volume reached unprecedented levels relative to its gross national product, peaking at 8.3 percent during that period. Kuwait also played a significant role in extending a helping hand to the disadvantaged and needy people all around the world, offering urgent aid to alleviate disasters that affected many countries worldwide through Kuwaiti charitable organizations and institutions.
By Abdul Nasser Al-Aslami and Mohammad Ghanem
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff